artSparx has created a 3 stage step-by-step
tutorial series. Series 1 begins with basic plaster
application, our 2nd series illustrates antique glazing
and plaster distressing methods, culminating in the final
fresco simulation series 3, hand-painted elements. You can
complete each tutorial as a finish and style in it's own
right. Or, depending on your interests and style needs,
combine the tutorials to achieve the hand-painted fresco
appearance that will bring your environment to life.

Masking tip:
Always test
an area to be taped before beginning the masking job. Wallpaper is particularly
susceptible to tearing. Lacquer and varnish surfaces on furniture may come off
easily with the tape and the item could be severely damaged.

The Lime Wash effect is a
traditional white washing
treatment that in recent
years has been replaced with
white washing and pickling
effects. The basics of the
Lime wash is to use lime, a
caustic substance, and apply
it over wood and wall
surfaces, creating a matte
chalky white, often bleached
- white wash appearance. It
is not stable however, and
if used outside will
eventually wash and fade
away.

Following is a basic method
for creating a white washed
(simulated Lime
wash) effect. There are 2
methods described, each
providing similar results.

Using diluted off
white paint

Using a ready made
wood stain.

Starting your project

This effect works best
over unfinished, unpainted
furniture. The natural wood
soaks up the paint or stain
resulting in some of the
underlying wood grain
showing through. Depending
on how thick your 'Lime
Wash' simulated paint
solution is will determine
the final effect. A thick
and rather opaque paint
solution will appear more
true to the Lime Wash
appearance. A thinner, more
fluid solution will result
in a white washed or pickled
appearance.

Applying diluted white
paint.

Mix a solution of a
slightly off white (like
Benjamin Moore Antique
White) latex paint, flat
sheen with water. The flat
paint will dry with a bit of
a chalky look, simulating
the true appearance of Lime
wash. The consistence should
be like thick cream. You may
need to experiment to
determine the level of
opacity you want. More water
will create a thinner, paler
appearance, while less water
will create a whiter, more
opaque look (see above
comments). Follow the
artSparx Color washing
tutorial for basic color
blending principles. Use
these same techniques on
your cabinets. Once the
white wash effect is
completed you should apply 2
coats latex, water based
varnish. Varithane's Flecto
Diamond Finish, in a Satin
sheen, is very good, though
a bit more expensive than
other commercial brands. You
may also use Benjamin Moore,
Stays Clear, also in a Satin
or Low-luster sheen. Water
based products are very
durable and don't yellow. If
you use an oil based varnish
over a white base then
expect it to yellow over
time.

Tips and precautions

Things to note when working
on wood surfaces; depending
on the type of wood, i.e.,
oak, pine, etc., white paint
sometimes pulls the resin up
out of the
wood and stains the white
slightly pink. Be aware of
this. If this happens,
you may need to first apply
a water based sealer, then
lightly sand the
surface with 220 grit sand
paper (in the direction of
the wood grain), then
apply your paint followed by
2 coats varnish.

Applying a wood stain.

You can also stain the
wood white, instead of
painting the surface. This
gives a 'pickled' or
'bleached' effect and allows
all the wood grain to show
thru. You can get
commercially available white
stains (Minwax for example)
that work well. Try and stay
away from the 2 in 1
stain/sealer combos. Apply
as above, finishing off with
2 - 3 coated water based
varnish.

Always apply paint or stain
in the direction of the
grain, using a good brush,
roller and/or rags.

The Paint Effects Bible
is a library of faux finishes: 100 of them. Each is
described on a single spread with a large photograph of
the finish plus step-by-step illustrations, an
ingredients list, and detailed instructions for creating
the effect.

A valuable source for professional and
amateur decorators alike, this book comes in a handy,
pocket-sized format with a concealed wire-binding that
lays flat during use.